Brandi Brown Palmer represents the new breed of breast cancer warrior. Determined, engaged, gut-level honest and relentless with a message of early identification of and intervention for breast cancer, the 42-year-old Overland Park mother of two has walked through what women fear: a breast cancer diagnosis. Palmer’s message of “Don’t Wait for the Lump” emphasizes the early detection philosophy of The Breast Center at Menorah Medical Center: No Excuses. Get Screened.

Brown will help The Breast Center at Menorah kick off its annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month from 4 to 6 p.m. on Oct. 4 with a PINK celebration. The hospital’s Johnson County campus will be bathed in pink to bring awareness to early detection, and to honor those courageous women battling the disease and survivors. The PINK party, which annually draws hundreds of women, will include Brown sharing her story and signing autographs; walk-in screening mammograms, the Bra Exhibit, free bra fittings, pink hair extensions, nail art and body massages. Pink ribbons will be given to every attendee, and the afternoon will conclude with a 5:45 p.m. balloon release in Menorah’s garden to remember those affected by breast cancer.

According to Pam Handlan, RT, Director of The Breast Center at Menorah, early detection of breast cancer is one of the most important tools in fighting the disease. "It's important that we take charge of our health by choosing healthy lifestyles, conducting monthly self-exams, and having an annual mammogram," says Handlan. "We're all in this together. It's important that we encourage family and friends to get screened regularly. Brandi’s message of early detection is critical to fighting this disease.”

The Breast Center at Menorah Medical Center provides comprehensive breast care from prevention and screening to diagnosis, treatment and survivorship care. The prestigious, all-encompassing accreditation recognizes physician leadership and vision, research-based standards of care and quality initiatives. Accreditation by the NAPBC is given only to those breast centers that have voluntarily committed to provide the highest level of quality breast care and that undergo a rigorous evaluation process and review of their performance. The designation means that The Breast Center at Menorah is among the best comprehensive breast centers in the country.

The pink party is free and open to the public and will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. on Oct. 4 at The Breast Center at Menorah on the Menorah Medical Center campus at 5721 W. 119th St., Overland Park, Kan. For more information, visit our calendar or call (913) 498-6000.